The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has scheduled a ruling for Thursday regarding senior advocate Mike Ozekhome’s application to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Represented by Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), Ozekhome, who is currently standing trial for forgery and impersonation, sought the court’s permission for a six-week medical trip based on a doctor’s recommendation. While the prosecution team, led by Aisha Tahir, did not oppose the application, complications arose concerning the defendants’ international passports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Although the passports were previously ordered to be deposited with the court registry as a condition of the defendants’ bail, the prosecution informed the court that the documents were still in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Chizoba Oji directed the prosecution to produce the passports within one hour; however, they were unable to do so, citing challenges in contacting the investigating officer. Consequently, the judge adjourned the proceedings until Thursday, ordering the prosecution to produce the documents without fail before a ruling is issued.

Case Background:

• Charges: Ozekhome and co-defendant Ponfa Useni were arraigned on February 27 on 12 counts of forgery and impersonation.

• The Allegation: Prosecutors allege that the defendants, alongside the late Jeremiah Useni, conspired to create and utilize a forged Nigerian passport under the name “Tali Shani” to support a claim to a property in the United Kingdom.

• Evidence: Both a Nigerian Immigration Service officer and a forensic examiner have testified that the passport in question is fraudulent.

• Status: The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is currently ongoing.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained that its final National Assembly candidate list was determined following an exhaustive review of over 700 petitions from aggrieved members following its recent primary elections. In a telephone interview reported by ThisDay, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka noted that the National Working Committee vetted these complaints, resulting in a few “upsets” where initial winners were replaced. Morka emphasized that the petition process is now closed, and the current roster represents the party’s definitive position, comprising both those who won their primaries uncontested and those confirmed following the appeal process. The party’s primary focus has now shifted to ensuring all candidates complete and upload their INEC Form EC9 documents to the electoral commission’s portal before the deadline. While the party intends to release a public list eventually, Morka stated that documentation compliance currently takes precedence, noting that all successful candidates have already been notified and provided with the necessary forms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following a thorough vetting of over 700 post-primary petitions, the APC has finalized its candidate list for the 2027 general elections. According to National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the review process conducted by the party’s appeal committee and the National Working Committee led to adjustments in specific constituencies. Morka clarified that the party is no longer accepting petitions and is now focused entirely on the logistics of candidate documentation for INEC submission. Although the party has not yet publicly released the finalized list, it maintains that the process was transparent for those involved, and all confirmed candidates have already received their forms to ensure they meet the upcoming nomination deadline.

Option 3: Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Review: The APC evaluated over 700 petitions from members who were dissatisfied with the outcomes of the party’s primary elections.

• Result of Appeals: While many original winners were retained, the appeal process led to some “upsets” and subsequent candidate changes in specific constituencies.

• Finalized Position: The petition window is closed, and the current list of candidates—a mix of unchallenged winners and those validated via appeals—is now the party’s final official stance.

• Current Priority: The party’s main objective is to assist its candidates in completing and uploading their INEC Form EC9 documents to the commission’s portal in a timely manner.

• Communication: All official candidates have been notified and provided with the required documentation; the party views this process as more urgent than the public release of a full list.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially finalized its list of National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections, confirming the removal of several high-profile figures, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and former lawmaker Gbenga Elegbeleye. Following the review of primary election appeals, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has substituted 26 candidates across nine states—including Benue, Ondo, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi. In a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru stated that the revisions adhere to the 2022 Electoral Act and the party’s internal appeal guidelines. Notable changes include the replacement of Gabriel Suswam with Emmanuel Memga Udende for the Benue North East senatorial ticket and the substitution of Gbenga Elegbeleye with Olajide Ipinsagbe in Ondo North. The finalized list, which encompasses two senatorial changes and 19 House of Representatives substitutions in specific constituencies, represents the party’s definitive stance ahead of the 2027 polls.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The APC has submitted a revised and final list of National Assembly candidates to INEC for the 2027 general elections. Driven by the findings of the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee, the NWC has replaced 26 candidates, notably dropping Gabriel Suswam and Gbenga Elegbeleye from their respective senatorial bids. These adjustments impact various constituencies across nine states, including major shifts in Benue and Ondo. According to official correspondence signed by party leaders Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru, these changes serve as the party’s final official position, ensuring compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.

Option 3: Key Takeaways

• Finalized Candidates: The APC has issued its final National Assembly candidate list to INEC after the NWC approved reports from the Primary Election Appeal Committee.

• High-Profile Exclusions: Prominent party members, including former Governor Gabriel Suswam and Gbenga Elegbeleye, were removed from the final roster.

• Scope of Changes: A total of 26 candidates were substituted across nine states: Benue, Ondo, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi.

• Compliance: Party leadership confirmed the changes were made in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and official INEC guidelines to ensure the party’s final stance is legally sound.